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Graduate Nurse Program Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Maxim Health Systems

New Graduate Nurse

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

Maxcares Awards Program Responsibilities: * Utilizes the nursing process to plan, implement, and ... Graduate of an accredited school of nursing * Active RN License * Current CPR * PPD or chest X ray ...

Maxim Healthcare Services

New Graduate Nurse

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Maxcares Awards Program Responsibilities: * Utilizes the nursing process to plan, implement, and ... Graduate of an accredited school of nursing * Active RN License * Current CPR * PPD or chest X ray ...

New

Maxim Healthcare Service

New Graduate Nurse

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Maxcares Awards Program Responsibilities: * Utilizes the nursing process to plan, implement, and ... Graduate of an accredited school of nursing * Active RN License * Current CPR * PPD or chest X ray ...

Maxim Health Systems

RN - New Graduate Nurse

Novato, CA · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

Maxcares Awards Program Responsibilities: * Utilizes the nursing process to plan, implement, and ... Graduate of an accredited school of nursing * Active RN License * Current CPR * PPD or chest X ray ...

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All JobsGraduate Nurse Program JobsGraduate Nurse Program Jobs in California

Graduate Nurse Program information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$88.6K

$129.3K

How much do graduate nurse program jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate nurse program in California is $88,559.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,100.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Graduate Nurse Program?

A Graduate Nurse Program is a structured transition program designed for newly graduated nurses who have recently completed their nursing degree. It provides comprehensive support, mentorship, and practical experience as new nurses move from a student to a professional role. These programs typically include rotations in various clinical settings, education sessions, and professional development opportunities. The goal is to help graduate nurses build confidence, develop clinical skills, and ensure a smooth transition into the nursing workforce.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Graduate Nurse Program?

To succeed in a Graduate Nurse Program, you need a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), NCLEX-RN licensure, and a solid grasp of foundational clinical skills and patient care. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), hospital protocols, and evidence-based practice guidelines is essential, and some programs may require Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification. Strong communication, adaptability, critical thinking, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for transitioning effectively from student to professional practice. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring patient safety, delivering high-quality care, and integrating smoothly into healthcare teams during the early stages of a nursing career.

What kinds of support and mentorship can I expect as a participant in a Graduate Nurse Program?

As a participant in a Graduate Nurse Program, you can expect structured support through preceptorships, regular feedback sessions, and mentorship from experienced nurses and educators. These programs typically offer orientation periods, skills workshops, and opportunities for clinical rotations in various departments, helping you build confidence and competence. Regular check-ins and peer support groups are common, fostering a collaborative environment where new nurses can share experiences and ask questions. This supportive structure is designed to ease the transition from student to practicing nurse and to encourage professional growth.

What is the difference between Graduate Nurse Program vs Registered Nurse?

AspectGraduate Nurse ProgramRegistered Nurse
CredentialsCompletion of nursing degree, eligibility for licensureLicensed Registered Nurse (RN) with active license
Work EnvironmentStructured training programs, hospitals, clinicsVaried settings including hospitals, community clinics, long-term care
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, healthcare organizations offering onboarding programsHealthcare facilities, private practices, public health
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry pathways for new nursesClarifying roles and responsibilities of licensed nurses

The Graduate Nurse Program is a structured onboarding and training pathway for newly licensed nurses, helping them transition into professional practice. A Registered Nurse is a fully licensed healthcare professional responsible for patient care. The program prepares nurses for licensure and practical skills, while the RN role involves independent patient care across various healthcare settings.

What can I do as a new graduate nurse in the Graduate Nurse Program?

As a new graduate nurse in the Graduate Nurse Program, you can gain hands-on clinical experience, develop your nursing skills, and receive mentorship from experienced staff. The program often includes rotations across different departments, opportunities for certification, and support for licensure requirements. It prepares you for independent practice and helps build confidence in patient care.

What can you do with a graduate nurse program in nursing?

A graduate nurse program provides newly licensed nurses with structured training, mentorship, and clinical experience to develop their skills. Participants often rotate through different departments, gain hands-on practice, and prepare for full licensure or certification, enhancing their readiness for various nursing roles.

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Nurse Program jobs in California?

For Graduate Nurse Program jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Nurse Program jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Nurse Program jobs in California are:

Graduate Nurse Program jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Nurse Program job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,559 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

LVN - New Graduate Nurse

Garden Grove, CA

Maxim Healthcare Services
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 166 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

379th of 895 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about Maxim Healthcare Servicesexternal

$30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Starting Pay: $30/hour | New Graduate Nurses Welcome!

Whether you're a recent graduate looking to gain clinical experience or an experienced nurse seeking a rewarding opportunity, Maxim provides the training, support, and clinical resources you need to succeed. Our nurses make a direct impact by delivering personalized care to patients in the comfort of their homes.

For immediate consideration, contact Darlene E. at (714) 542-2400.


What You'll Do

As a Maxim nurse, you will:

  • Utilize the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care.
  • Provide compassionate, high-quality nursing care in the home setting.
  • Monitor and assess patients for changes in physical and psychosocial conditions.
  • Collaborate with physicians, caregivers, and clinical supervisors to coordinate care.
  • Document assessments, interventions, and patient progress accurately.
  • Educate patients and family members regarding treatments and care plans.
  • Follow established nursing standards and clinical protocols.
  • Perform other nursing duties as assigned.
Why New Grads Choose Maxim
  • Comprehensive training and ongoing clinical support
  • One-on-one patient care experience
  • Opportunities to build confidence and strengthen clinical skills
  • Career advancement opportunities within a national healthcare organization
  • Dedicated clinical supervisors available for guidance and mentorship

New Graduate Nurse Program Requirements

To be considered for Maxim Healthcare's New Graduate Nurse Program, candidates must meet the following requirements:

  • Must be a newly licensed RN or LVN seeking full-time employment.
  • Must be available to work full-time hours
  • Must have open availability including weekends
  • Must be willing to accept assignments based on current patient and family needs.
  • Must be willing to travel throughout Orange County and accept assignments within the county.
  • Must commit to remaining in the New Graduate Program for a minimum of one year.
  • Must be motivated to gain hands-on bedside nursing experience through direct patient care in the home setting.

Why We Require Flexibility

Nurses with open availability are more likely to be matched with available families sooner, allowing them to begin working, building skills, and gaining valuable nursing experience immediately following orientation and training.

Maxim Benefits:

Health and Wellness
Medical/Prescription, Dental, Vision, Health Advocacy (company paid if enrolled Medical) and Health Advocate Employee Assistance Program

Retirement and Financial Security:
Health Savings Account, 401(k), Short Term Disability, Voluntary Group Life Insurance and Supplemental Accidental Insurance, Hospital Expense Protection Plan, Critical Illness Insurance, Home and Auto Insurance discounts, Pet Insurance and Legal Benefits

Lifestyle Benefits:
Paid Time Off, Employee Discount Program, Transportation Benefits and College Partnership Program

*Benefit eligibility is dependent on employment status.

About Maxim Healthcare
Maxim Healthcare has been making a difference in the lives of our patients, caregivers, employees and communities for more than 30 years. We offer private duty nursing, skilled nursing, physical rehabilitation, companion care, respite care and behavioral care for individuals with chronic and acute illnesses and disabilities. Our commitment to quality customer service, compassionate patient care, and filling critical healthcare needs makes us a trusted partner wherever care is needed. 

Maxim Healthcare, Inc. (“Maxim”) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Maxim Healthcare logo

About Maxim Healthcare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Maxim, our priority is providing exemplary care for our patients and their families. Our team of nurses, therapists, and home health aides help patients of all ages maintain their quality of life.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, MD, US

View All Maxim Healthcare Jobs

What Maxim Healthcare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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